Marble is a gorgeous natural stone that is also quite durable. However, it can experience wear over time, especially in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen or the bathroom. So, if you start to notice that your marble is not as beautiful as when you first bought it, now may be a good time for you to consider getting restoration services.
How will you know when it is time to get your marble countertops restored?
Below are some signs that you need marble countertop restoration and what’s involved in the process.
Common Problems with Marble
Although marble is a long-lasting stone, it can suffer from problems that need to be addressed to ensure its longevity. Here are the most common issues you may face with marble countertops that let you know they need to be revived.
Dullness
One of the most common signs with marble is dullness. This is commonly referred to as etching. Dullness on marble is caused by exposing the marble surface to acidic items such as coffee, lemon juice, tomato juice, or wine. It can also be caused by exposing the marble to abrasive cleaning items. You can tell that your marble is suffering from etching by observing how light reflects off it. Typically, marble is shiny. Therefore, if you examine your marble under the light and notice there is not an even shine, this means that the marble is etched, and restoration is needed.
Stains and Water Rings
Stains are another common problem. Marble is very porous. Even if it is sealed, it can be prone to stains. It is critical that you get up a spill as soon as you make them so that your marble won’t stain. This is especially true when you spill dark-colored items such as red wine or grape juice. These types of spills may discolor the marble.
Another issue that leaves stains on marble is water rings. Water is generally harmless on marble. However, if it has high levels of calcium or magnesium, which is referred to as hard water, then water will leave rings. To minimize this, it would be a good idea to use coasters on your marble countertops to prevent condensation from drinks from staining your marble. Also, wipe away any water that is present as soon as possible.
Cracks
One other major problem with marble is cracking. It is normal for marble to have natural cracks. These natural cracks are known as fissures and are caused during the marble formation process. Fissures aren’t cracks that you must worry about. Hairline cracks can be problematic, however. Although they may not compromise the integrity of the marble’s structure, they can still draw negative attention to your marble.
Restoring Your Marble
If you notice any of these common problems with your marble countertops, it may be time to consider getting your countertops restored. Depending on the severity of the issues with your countertops, restoration could run you a few hundred dollars or may be as high as over a thousand dollars.
To keep your marble in top shape and maintain the value of your kitchen and bathrooms, restoration is a worthy investment. Here are some things you can expect from the restoration process.
Fixing Cracks
To fix cracks, a restoration specialist will usually apply a type of epoxy similar in color to the marble.
Removing Stains
A restoration specialist may use a poultice to remove stains from the marble. The specialist may also use a commercial strength product to get rid of stains.
Polishing Marble
After fixing cracks and removing stains, a restoration specialist will likely bring your marble back to its original shine by polishing it. Some restoration specialists may use a diamond polishing pad to buff marble and make the marble look new. However, some may employ another method to polish the marble.
Applying a Sealant
After fixing all the issues with your marble, a restoration specialist may encourage you to seal your marble countertops. This won’t prevent damage entirely, but it will minimize it. The sealant penetrates the pores and keeps stains from absorbing into the stone. It is recommended that you get your marble countertops sealed at least twice a year.
Is your marble starting to show signs that it needs restoration? Now is a good time to invest in improving your countertops, especially if you entertain at your home regularly. A stone restoration specialist will customize a plan according to your needs and get to work making your stone look beautiful again.
The professionals at Restore-A-Floor in Brighton use the latest technology, equipment, and materials to polish and restore the shine in your countertops. We have been restoring stone floors, countertops, tile and more for over 20 years!
Our highly experienced countertop cleaning and floor restoration professionals take pride in their work so that you will love your countertops for years to come. Worried about scratches? We can fix those with our state-of-the-art honing techniques. Call for a Free Estimate on any stone and tile restoration service throughout your home and enjoy the outcome for years to come.